Hi guys,

In the last 6 months or so I can sometimes smell coolant\anti-freeze after a drive in my 2013 V6S. No signs of any major leaks of coolant on the garage floor, but it does lose around 100ml every 2000 miles or so, perhaps normal?

Whilst it was in being serviced, the dealer picked up one of the return coolant pipes (T2R36979 has probably had an emergency repair made to it at some point. So I ordered the part and fitted it last week. Whilst in there, I did notice this connector had no hose connected, is that normal? Or could that be the culprit? Hoping it's the hose\pipework I've just replaced, but worried about this now. I can't see any hose which would connect on.

Can someone please remove their engine cover and take a photo to compare?

For information, I replaced the Y-pipe and other coolant parts known to fail on the early cars, but that was last year.

I always make sure the cap is properly closed with 3 clicks.

 

Mine looks exactly the same.

 

Coolant loss should be zero. Any loss is not normal.

I just checked on my 2016 V6S and that connector looks like yours: nothing connected.

 

Actually that is a very good sign!! That is a dead end and is plugged even though it looks like a tube should slide on it. So you have been updated to the better plastic cooling pipes and the newest version of the water pump. You plastic pipes have the later smooth seams. This is all as it should be so congratulations!

Now there is also a rear water manifold that needs to be changed and it normally is NOT done when the dealers do the water pump and the front end plastic cooling hoses. The SC needs to come off to do it although we have had at least one member change it without removing the SC but it's REALLY hard to do it that way! If you do change it also plan to change the SC oil as it's easy with the SC off the car.

Only other suggestion is to pressure test the cooling system when the car is cold and look for any leaks. I will say my 2014 XJR always has a faint anti-freeze smell and it's not using any fluid at all. So maybe just part of the cars character?
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I'm going through this exact same issue now. I smell coolant after driving. No signs of leakage anywhere. Car has been pressure-tested twice by two different dealers and it passed both times, but it *is* losing coolant (not a lot--it took from August to now to drop from the Max to Min line in the reservoir when cold, BUT I also only really use it on weekends). I have the updated cross pipes and I always ensure the cap is tightened properly. Going to be visiting a third dealer to see if they can find the leak. It's frustrating to say the least.

 

Check your water pump, might need to stick your phone down there to take a few pictures. Mine (2014 V8) leaked, smelled of coolant, but never left a drop on the ground. With my phone camera I could see dampness on the front of the engine below the black pulley on the pump.

 

Good thing to check--thanks.

 

When I had the SC coupler replaced, I asked them to do the coolant pipes as well. They said the water pump was just starting to leak, so that go replaced too. I never saw any evidence of a leak.

 

Thanks for the input guys, some really useful information above.

I actually replaced the following parts whilst the supercharger was replaced last year (under warranty). I didn't however replace the water pump, is that a big job on it's own?

1 x AJ813865, THERMOSTAT AND WATER OUTLET LOWER TUBE - 3.0L SUPERCHARGED - JAGUAR - F-TYPE
1 x AJ813917, THERMOSTAT AND WATER UPPER OUTLET TUBE - 3.0L SUPERCHARGED - JAGUAR - F-TYPE
1 x AJ814053, HEATER PIPE - 3.0 LITRE SUPERCHARGED PETROL - JAGUAR - F-TYPE
1 x AJ813918, O-RING

I'm hopeful the replacement hose will fix any leaks, looks really dodgy. I was definitely losing some through the header cap before knowing about the 3 click trick, so that will account for some of the loss in the early days of ownership. Will keep an eye on it though. Water pump may be something to consider as proactive maintenance.

 

What is the water manifold you are referring to?

 

OK I thought you did replace the water pump? The latest one is part number 3909 if you can see any markings on yours. I thought the cooling lines also changed with the new pump and that's why we have that odd dead end fitting? Are you sure the water pump has not been replaced at some time?

The rear water manifold for the V-6 is "I think" AJ814053. About $50+ or so. But I also found C2Z31644?



Rear Water Manifold
Be sure and double check that part number using your VIN.
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Really not sure if the water pump has been replaced or not. How did I check? Where is it?

 

How about the heater core? Seems like that would be an easy way to get antifreeze odor into the cabin.

 

I never smell it in the car, just the odd time walking away from the car after a blast.

 

Possible but we don't get reports of leaking heater cores.
Hard to say on the pump as they have changed what's on the casting too. Some of the earlier ones were marked FoMoCo others JLR and the later ones just had Italy cast into them. I think I have seen 8 parts numbers so far for the water pump and again you want the 3909 pump. That should be the only one being sold now.

In this thread we talked about how to identify the newest water pump. See if it helps?
Water Pump Part Numbers

Surprisingly the water pump is not that hard of a repair. Getting the SC off is probably the hardest part.
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I had something similar back in August where no visible leaks under the car. After driving it for 30 mins and parked, I smelled a light hint of sweet maple. Having dealt with blown headgaskets in the past on a different car, I was concerned and brought the F Type to my local mechanic that specializes in Jags.

Turns out, there was some leaking from the thermostat and I had the entire thing replaced. Since then no more smell after driving the car. Labor and parts total to around $720.